A study published in New Space: The Journal of Space Entrepreneurship and Innovation models population growth, caloric needs, land use, and potential food sources to determine Mars' food self-sufficiency. A diet composed of plants, insects, and cellular agriculture can meet human nutritional requirements.
Researchers have developed a laser prototype that nearly meets the stringent requirements for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission. The laser system features a seed laser, YDFA amplifiers, and an optical reference cavity to improve spectral purity and stability.
Researchers have developed a molecular shuttle system to deliver precious metal catalysts directly to cancer cells, potentially reducing side effects of chemotherapy. The new method uses artificial exosomes to transport palladium catalysts straight to primary tumours and metastatic cells.
A new Northwestern University study discovered that spaceflight consistently changes the abundance and diversity of gut bacteria in mice. Using a novel analytical tool called STARMAPS, researchers found that spaceflight causes a specific change on the microbiome, but ruled out radiation as the cause.
A new study by researchers at the University of Warwick and others found that living within 300m of urban green space is associated with greater happiness, sense of worth, and life satisfaction. The study used data from 25,518 people in London and found that proximity to green space was more important than lifestyle factors.
The University of Edinburgh's space mining devices will be tested in orbit to study how microscopic organisms can recover minerals from space rocks. The experiment aims to develop ways to source essential materials for survival in space.
A UTA professor is working on a new classification system for geomagnetic storms based on overall storm energy, focusing on storms with large amounts of power that dissipate in the ionosphere. This research could lead to better understanding of how space weather affects satellites and ultimately life on Earth.
Researchers found that astronauts who exercised in space and received IV fluids upon landing were not prone to dizziness or fainting on Earth. The study's results could lead to medical advances for people with conditions like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) on our planet.
The Graphene Flagship partners with the European Space Agency and the University of Cambridge to launch a rocket into space, testing the printing of graphene patterns on silicon substrates in zero gravity. The mission aims to validate graphene's self-assembly properties and pave the way for its use in long-term space exploration.
Scientists confirm electrically-charged molecules shaped like soccer balls in space, shedding light on the mysterious contents of interstellar medium. The discovery points toward a strong likelihood for other complex carbon-bearing molecules arising spontaneously in space.
A new study from UTMB has identified biomarkers that predict individual susceptibility to muscle function decline and found effective exercise and hormone treatments to combat atrophy. The findings may allow scientists to personalize space medicine by designing specific programs for each astronaut before long-term missions.
Satellites equipped with the new technology can deorbit and reenter the Earth's atmosphere, preventing space debris proliferation. Researchers have developed a prototype of the deorbit kit using low work-function tethers, which transforms orbital energy into electrical energy without fuel.
The James Webb Space Telescope successfully completed its final thermal vacuum test, with the spacecraft element exposed to extreme temperatures and conditions. The test paves the way for the integration of the telescope and spacecraft elements, a crucial step towards launch.
Scientists have pioneered a new genomic methodology to identify and map bacterial species on the International Space Station, aiming to safeguard astronauts' health. The approach has applications in environmental management and healthcare, and will enable researchers to explore new microbiome environments.
The World Economic Forum has announced a new Space Sustainability Rating system to address growing space traffic and debris in Earth's orbit. The rating will assess satellite operators' environmental impact, with the goal of reducing congestion and promoting sustainability.
Researchers are tweaking tiny tomato plants to increase photosynthesis and make them suitable for growing on the International Space Station. The goal is to create a crop that can feed astronauts and potentially support future space colonies.
Scientists have developed a new charge transfer and separation process called Twisted Intramolecular Charge Shuttle (TICS) that enables faster energy conversion in solar cells and photosynthesis. TICS molecules exhibit a bidirectional, role switching phenomenon, paving a new avenue for chemists to construct unique fluorescent probes.
Boston College's Institute for Scientific Research has been awarded a $10.6-million contract to study the space environment and improve capacities to understand and respond to various space phenomena. The research will focus on topics such as solar emissions analysis, radio frequency wave propagation, and ionospheric remote sensing.
A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology has developed a novel fire extinguisher concept called Vacuum Extinguish Method (VEM), which uses vacuum to suck in flames and combustion products. This method is suitable for enclosed spaces like spacecraft or submarines, where traditional extinguishers can spread harmful gases.
The NASA Twin Study has provided a comprehensive multi-omics view of the human body's response to long-term space flight. The study found increased collagen proteins in urine, correlating with vascular remodeling during space flight.
Scientists found no long-lasting, major differences between astronaut Scott Kelly's epigenome and his twin brother Mark's after a year in space. The study suggests that research on additional astronauts may help predict medical risks on long space journeys.
UTSA joins NASA's Resilient ExtraTerrestrial Habitats institute (RETHi) to advance space smart habitat designs for deep space habitats, leveraging expertise in civil infrastructure with advanced technology fields.
A new space weather model accurately predicts 'killer' electrons in the Earth's outer radiation belt, providing a one-day warning before space storms. The model connects satellite measurements to electron population data, enabling reliable forecasts and protecting vital infrastructure.
A recent study by scientists from Brookhaven National Laboratory has revealed the mechanistic details of a protein involved in the assembly of lignin, a key cell-wall component. The discovery identifies an electron shuttle protein that delivers fuel for the construction of one specific type of lignin building block.
NASA research finds that dormant viruses reactivate in over half of crew members on Space Shuttle and International Space Station missions. The reactivation rate increases with spaceflight duration, raising concerns for the success of deep-space missions. Effective prevention and treatment are crucial to safeguarding astronauts.
Researchers tested large-area perovskite solar cells in near space at an altitude of 35 km, demonstrating their ability to retain power conversion efficiency despite extreme conditions. The study found that a device based on FA0.81MA0.10Cs0.04PbI2.55Br0.40 retained 95.19% of its initial efficiency.
The CAPER-2 mission aims to understand how particles are accelerated in the aurora borealis by studying the interaction between electrons and atmospheric gases. The team hopes to uncover the fundamental physics behind this process, which is crucial for understanding space radiation and astrophysical phenomena.
Researchers at MUSC sound the alarm about hydrocephalus associated with long-term spaceflight (HALS), a brain condition that affects astronauts during extended space missions. The study, published in JAMA Neurology, highlights the need for more research into HALS to understand its effects on the human brain and develop countermeasures.
Researchers at NTNU are developing self-contained planters to allow astronauts to grow food in space. The goal is to provide fresh produce for long-duration missions like those to Mars and beyond. By growing plants directly in water with dissolved nutrients, fertilization and irrigation can be controlled precisely.
Researchers propose using tiny satellites with lasers to provide a steady reference light for massive space telescopes, relaxing the need for precision in segmented telescope designs. This approach aims to reduce costs and enable more flexible telescope designs.
A set of immune system tissue chips is scheduled to launch on SpaceX's 16th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station, where they will simulate the aging process of the immune system. The goal is to gain new insights into the molecular basis for many human conditions and develop novel therapies.
Researchers from UCL and University of Reading studied rapidly evolving aurora to understand energy release physics. They mapped back to where instabilities occur in space, gaining valuable physical clues.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have made a groundbreaking discovery about how liver cell communication affects disease progression. By studying the dialogue between hepatocytes and macrophages, they found that a specific ketone body metabolite helps protect against tissue fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver...
Researchers at IRB Barcelona develop peptide shuttle using scorpion venom to transport drugs across blood-brain barrier, improving efficacy for neurological treatments. The miniCTX3 peptide shows great efficiency in carrying compounds of different nature across the BBB.
A research team from Massachusetts Eye and Ear discovered a new mechanism by which the immune system protects itself against bacteria inhaled through the nose. The 'exosome swarm' process involves tiny fluid-filled sacs that directly attack bacteria and shuttle protective antimicrobial proteins along the airway to protect other cells.
Researchers used mathematical abstraction to describe gravitational waves as functions that remain invariant during distribution. They found arbitrary functions can be set to encode information, allowing for spatial transmission without distortions.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new fuel cell concept that uses an organic compound called quinone to shuttle electrons and protons, increasing energy efficiency by 100 times compared to previous designs. The design also reduces costs by using lower-cost metals like cobalt as catalysts.
A new plasma thruster technology has been developed to remove space debris, decelerating it with a force imparted from the satellite. The system uses bi-directional ejection of plasma plumes, controlled by a magnetic field and gas injection, for efficient removal in three operational modes.
Researchers developed innovative business models for space-related start-ups, including DIT Space, which commercialized satellite images and created competitive advantages. The study highlights the growth of space entrepreneurship worldwide, with a focus on Central America.
Researchers on the International Space Station are studying ferrofluids with magnetic fields to create pump systems without mechanical moving parts. This could extend system lifetimes and improve performance in next-generation space vehicles.
The James Webb Space Telescope relies on innovative components like the 'Spider', a thermally isolating device with Kevlar fibers, to accurately detect light from distant galaxies and celestial objects. This cutting-edge technology enables the telescope to observe objects in the Kuiper Belt and study the universe's origins.
Scientists have developed a new method to shuttle lithium ions into the crystal structure of samarium nickelate, a quantum material with exotic electronic properties. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient energy storage and novel applications in computing.
Scientists have discovered a repeatable pattern in how space weather activity changes with the solar cycle, enabling better understanding and planning for space weather. The breakthrough allows for more accurate forecasting of potential threats to Earth from solar flares and extreme space weather.
Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are investigating the use of gallium nitride crystals in various space applications, including radiation tolerance and neutron detection. The material's high efficiency and resistance to radiation make it an attractive option for reducing instrument size, weight, and power consumption.
Russian scientists propose a new classification of symmetry groups in crystal space, considering geometric limitations on atomic arrangement. The approach determines forbidden regions with specific spatial symmetries, classifying 230 groups into 33 classes.
The Google team developed a comprehensive system for capturing and rendering high-quality spherical light field still images from footage captured in the real world. The processing pipeline uses computer vision to place the images in 3D and generate depth maps, resulting in a truly immersive experience with unmatched realism.
The James Webb Space Telescope boasts unparalleled capabilities, including a revolutionary lightweight carbon-composite material and exceptional load-bearing capability in extreme temperatures. Its advanced design enables it to unfold flawlessly by remote control and operate at extremely low temperatures.
The paper highlights the importance of accurately measuring greenhouse gases and their role in determining Earth's future climate. Researchers propose a new space-based observing system to improve our understanding of carbon cycle feedbacks and predict climate change.
A study led by NYU School of Medicine researchers found that mice genetically engineered to lack the gamma-CaMKII shuttle protein took twice as long to form a memory needed to complete a simple task. The team restored learning ability by re-inserting the human version of the shuttle protein into mice.
Current understanding of human physiology and surgery in space is crucial for future astronauts. The review highlights novel pathologies that could arise from prolonged weightlessness and exposure to cosmic radiation, emphasizing the need for specialized training and medical preparedness.
Researchers at FAU have successfully developed proteins that function like a shuttle to release medication directly in the body where it's needed. This breakthrough could enable targeted and tissue-specific administration of medication in future, potentially lowering doses and reducing side effects.
Bernd Chudoba and his team aim to create a forecasting methodology that identifies science and technology gaps related to space transportation issues. The project will develop a toolbox to forecast space transportation infrastructure needs, enabling the US to plan for its 2030 goal of eliminating vulnerabilities in space.
Research shows that even healthy-weight boys have become less fit over the past 20 years. The study measured aerobic fitness in 11-year-old boys and found a decline in heart rate recovery, indicating poorer cardiovascular health.
A novel drug has been identified as a potential treatment for brain damage caused by exposure to cosmic rays, protecting memory function in mice. The study's findings suggest that rebooting the brain's immune system may help prevent cognitive impairments in astronauts during deep space travel.
Astronomers have detected a unique laser emission from the heart of the Ant Nebula, indicating the presence of a double star system. The phenomenon was discovered using European Space Agency's Herschel space observatory and is connected to the death of a star.
Astronaut David Wolf shares his experience of worsening eye sight after space missions, citing a possible connection between microgravity and visual impairment. Researchers are using advanced imaging techniques to find solutions for the effects of space travel on vision, critical for future long-duration missions.
Elon Musk presents an updated design for the Big Falcon Rocket, a powerful rocket intended to propel a space vehicle to the International Space Station and beyond. The BFR's updated design includes a huge carbon fiber tank and new fueling system to lower costs and achieve rendezvous and docking.
Recent research from the University of New Hampshire's Space Science Center shows that space radiation is getting far more intense, posing significant risks to astronauts and satellite technology
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's NSF Center for Space, High-performance, and Resilient Computing has developed a radiation-resistant computer capable of high-performance computing in space. The system will be launched on the International Space Station and is nearly three times more powerful than its predecessor.
Dr. James L. Burch, SwRI VP, inducted into the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame for his leadership and research on space science and magnetosphere interaction. He has contributed significantly to NASA missions, including New Horizons and Juno.